MoneyGeek ranked the top car insurance companies in Utah to help you find the state’s best providers. Car insurance prices often vary based on factors like location, age, driving history and coverage level. Getting several personalized quotes can help you get the best car insurance in Utah for your needs. MoneyGeek's ratings reveal a potential savings of $762 when comparing car insurance quotes from top-rated companies in Utah.
bestauto insuranceUtah2021The Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Utah
Cheapest for minimum liability - GEICO
Cheapest for full coverage - GEICO
Best company overall - State Farm
Cheapest for drivers with a DUI - American Family
Cheapest for senior drivers - GEICO
Cheapest for student drivers - GEICO
Minimum liability coverage is the cheapest car insurance policy in Utah. The coverage meets the minimum prerequisites of the state and gives Utah drivers limited protection.
The most affordable auto insurance companies in Utah for minimum liability coverage are:
- USAA: $356 per year (for current and former military members)
- GEICO: $393 per year
The most expensive carrier for minimum coverage in the state is American Family, with an average cost of $995 per year.
Average Cost for Minimun Liability Coverage
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$356$30
- 2.$393$33
- 3.$637$53
- 4.$697$58
- 5.$701$58
The prices quoted above are estimated average costs for a minimum liability policy. They should only serve as a guide when comparing car insurance costs as you shop around for options in Utah.
These prices are only estimates based on rates for an average Utah driver and should not be used to compare insurance prices.
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The minimum liability coverage provides bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, as well as personal injury protection to drivers in Utah. Residents need to purchase a full coverage policy if they want a policy that offers higher limits.
A full coverage policy in Utah provides comprehensive and collision coverage, which protects drivers from on-road accidents and off-road incidents.
While full coverage offers higher limits and additional protection, it costs more than minimum liability coverage. Because full coverage rates vary between insurance companies, comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you secure the lowest rates.
The cheapest providers of full coverage car insurance in Utah are:
- USAA: $644 per year (for current and former military members only)
- GEICO: $677 per year
American Family charges the highest rate of $1,406 per year for full coverage.
Average Comprehensive and Collision Rates in Utah
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$644$54
- 2.$677$56
- 3.$990$83
- 4.$991$83
- 5.$1,091$91
You may be required to pay more or less than the above quotes depending on your age, credit score and other relevant factors. The above costs are averages for comprehensive and collision coverage with $100,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person, $300,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident and $100,000 property damage coverage per accident.
The Best Car Insurance Companies in Utah for 2021
According to MoneyGeek, the best providers of car insurance in Utah for most drivers are:
- Best Overall: State Farm
- Runner-up: GEICO
USAA received the highest score in Utah by MoneyGeek's rating system. However, because USAA is only available to military members, veterans and their families, it is not listed as best overall.
MoneyGeek uses a unique rating system that combines unique pricing data with J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study and AM Best’s financial strength analysis to select the best car insurance companies in Utah.
Companies with the best affordability, user satisfaction, claims reputation and financial stability ratings top MoneyGeek’s ranking system. MoneyGeek weighed these factors equally to obtain overall scores out of 100.
1
USAA
Score:100
USAA offers the most affordable auto insurance in the country and Utah. While the company boasts high affordability and better claims experience, its policies are only available for current and former military members.
More About USAA
USAA is the leading provider of auto insurance in Utah. Residents in the military enjoy lower rates than other policyholders, particularly if their parents have USAA coverage. If you garage your car on base, you also qualify for lower premiums.
Read MoneyGeek's USAA auto Insurance Review2
State Farm
Score:90
State Farm is the second-best company in Utah, with a strong reputation for affordability and user satisfaction. The provider has the best options for students below the age of 25.
More About State Farm
State Farm policyholders using their cars to drive for Lyft or Uber can get rideshare insurance from the company. Those who use the Drive Safe & Save app can save on their premium depending on their driving record. The company also has agents dispersed across the state to provide interested drivers and policyholders with a more personal experience.
Read MoneyGeek's State Farm auto Insurance Review3
GEICO
Score:90
4
Allstate
Score:83
5
CSAA
Score:83
6
Liberty Mutual
Score:83
7
American Family
Score:80
8
Travelers
Score:80
9
Safeco
Score:78
10
Farmers
Score:78
11
Progressive
Score:78
12
Nationwide
Score:75
While USAA scores highly in many areas, this provider is only available to military members, veterans and their families.
List of the Largest Insurance Companies in Utah
The three largest insurance companies in Utah based on market share scores are State Farm (15.3%), Allstate (11.3%) and GEICO (9.6%). Market share is measured by dividing the number of premiums written by an insurance company by the number of total premiums written in the state. Insurers with the largest market share offer better financial stability, although they may not have the best coverage options.
- CompanyMarket Share
- 1.15.3%
- 2.11.3%
- 3.9.6%
- 4.8.7%
- 5.8.7%
How to Compare Cheap Utah Car Insurance Quotes Online
Insurance companies in Utah allow customers to request more accurate quotes from their websites. Outlining your specific needs before shopping around can help you find affordable rates.
Specify the same coverage level while comparing quotes. If you wish to get a policy with $50,000 in bodily liability insurance per accident, for example, using this figure across all providers enables you to obtain more accurate figures.
Provide your ZIP code below to compare providers within Utah. You can also use the MoneyGeek pricing information to identify the best companies to approach for a quote.
Consider using MoneyGeek’s recommended carriers. According to MoneyGeek, USAA, GEICO and Farmers offer the lowest car insurance rates in Utah.
What Is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Utah?
Several unique factors contribute to the difference in car insurance premiums. MoneyGeek derived the average rates for comprehensive and collision insurance for a 40-year-old male driving a Toyota Camry with no history of accidents. Your car insurance may be cheaper or more expensive than these Utah averages depending on your age, driving history, credit score or coverage level.
- Average Driver: $1,154
- DUI: $1,723
- Speeding Ticket: $1,419
- Poor Credit Score: $2,168
- Seniors: $1,276
- Students: $3,030
Drivers in Utah who have a history of serious traffic violations like driving under the influence (DUI) pay higher premiums for auto insurance. The average cost of car insurance for drivers with a DUI is $1,723 per year, while drivers without a DUI pay $1,154.
Companies with the cheapest car insurance for drivers in Utah with a DUI are:
- USAA: $1,188 per year (for current and former military members only)
- American Family: $1,426 per year
USAA has the lowest rates for Utah drivers with or without a DUI. While GEICO is the cheapest for drivers with a clean record, State Farm offers better rates for those with a DUI.
Average Car Insurance Rates With a DUI
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$1,188$99
- 2.$1,426$119
- 3.$1,429$119
- 4.$1,479$123
- 5.$1,511$126
The real costs of a DUI can be far-reaching. In some cases, insurance companies may choose not to insure you. If you are unable to obtain insurance after a DUI, consider exploring state-sponsored auto insurance programs. These programs were created to insure high-risk drivers while sharing the risk between multiple providers.
Drivers with tickets for minor violations, such as distracted driving, pay more for car insurance. The average cost for those with tickets is $1,419 per year, compared to drivers without tickets who pay $1,154.
Insurers in Utah with the best rates for drivers with tickets are:
- USAA: $815 per year (for current and former military members only)
- GEICO: $838 per year
USAA and GEICO are the most affordable options both for drivers with a clean record and speeding tickets.
Average Car Insurance Rates With a Ticket
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$815$68
- 2.$838$70
- 3.$1,150$96
- 4.$1,227$102
- 5.$1,373$114
Many insurers look at distracted driving and speeding infractions as a risk. A violation will most likely increase your insurance rates, but how much depends on your carrier and if you have a clean driving record. It’s important to note that if you are cited for distracted driving, your insurance premium could increase even if you were not involved in an accident.
The Utah DMV uses a point system to mark your record of traffic violations. According to Utah Courts, if you drive one year without being convicted of a moving traffic violation, half of the points on your driving record will be removed. If you drive two years without a moving traffic violation, all of the points on your record will be removed. In most cases, clearing your record is a waiting game.
Maintaining cheap car insurance rates with a ticket in Utah is still possible. If you have tickets, some insurance companies will offer a reduced premium if you take a defensive driving course. Speak with your insurer to discuss the best option for you.
Bad credit scores negatively impact car insurance costs in Utah. Drivers with a good score pay an average of $1,154 per year, while those with low credit scores pay $2,168.
Insurance companies with the best car insurance rates for drivers with bad credit scores are:
- USAA: $1,114 per year (for current and former military members only)
- GEICO: $1,232 per year
USAA and GEICO are both the most affordable companies in Utah, regardless of a driver’s credit score.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With Bad Credit
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$1,114$93
- 2.$1,232$103
- 3.$1,370$114
- 4.$1,735$145
- 5.$1,745$145
According to Experian, Utah ranks number 16 in the nation for highest credit scoring with an average credit score of 716. While many Utah drivers have a higher-than-average credit score, a low score could still increase your insurance premium. When shopping for insurance quotes, make sure to reevaluate your rates when you improve your credit.
Seniors in Utah pay more than middle-aged drivers and young adults for car insurance. The average cost for seniors is $1,276 per year, compared to younger drivers who pay $1,154 annually.
The cheapest providers of car insurance in Utah for senior drivers are:
- USAA: $753 per year (for current and former military members only)
- GEICO: $918 per year
Both USAA and GEICO offer the lowest rates for drivers of all ages in Utah.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Seniors
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$753$63
- 2.$918$77
- 3.$1,025$85
- 4.$1,212$101
- 5.$1,241$103
When looking for cheap car insurance for seniors in Utah, a few unique factors come into play. While older drivers tend to have more experience behind the wheel, some physical impairments often show with aging. These include vision loss, slower reflexes and changes in attention.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 15.7% of fatal traffic accidents in Utah in 2017 involved a driver over the age of 65. Because seniors tend to face physical limitations to driving, Utah auto insurance companies weigh these risks against all other factors when developing policies for older drivers.
If you are a senior shopping for car insurance, first meet with your doctor to discuss your capabilities and limitations behind the wheel, then research senior discounts offered by the top-rated car insurance companies in the state.
Young student drivers in Utah are required to pay more for car insurance since they lack experience and are considered riskier to insure.
On average, the annual cost of car insurance for student drivers is $3,030, which is almost three times what older drivers pay.
The most affordable car insurance in Utah is from:
- GEICO: $1,892 per year
- National: $2,796 per year
While USAA provides the lowest rates for adult drivers, GEICO has the best rates for young students. National offers the second-cheapest insurance for students.
Average Car Insurance Rates for Students
- CompanyAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$1,892$158
- 2.$2,796$233
- 3.$2,933$244
- 4.$3,358$280
- 5.$3,856$321
If you’re shopping for car insurance as a senior, be sure to compare quotes from multiple companies and research senior discounts offered by the top-rated providers in the state.
Insurance Rate Information for Military Drivers and Veterans
If you are a permanent resident of another state but are on active military duty in Utah, you can maintain your license and registration from your home state. But if you buy a car in Utah, you will have to pay Utah sales tax, even if you keep your home state registration.
If you are a Utah resident who is stationed out of state, you may be exempt from emissions and safety inspections (contact the Utah DMV for more information). If your license expires while you are on active duty outside of Utah, you may continue to use your license for up to 90 days after your discharge before filing for an extension or renewing it.
Many insurers provide discounts for military personnel and veterans but remember — one of the best ways to secure a lower premium is to maintain a good driving record.
Average Rates for Utah service members
25 years$1,398
50 years$1,067
50 years$1,067
25 years$1,220
50 years$1,067
50 years$1,067
Car Insurance in Utah: What You Need to Know
All Utah residents (and visitors who spent at least 90 days in the state during the previous year) must insure their vehicles in Utah.
Proof of Insurance in Utah
The Utah Department of Motor Vehicles works with the private firm Insure-Rite to regularly check vehicle registrations against insurance policies written in the state. If they flag your vehicle as uninsured, you will receive a letter requiring you to provide proof of insurance. If you don't provide the requested proof, the DMV will suspend your license and registration.
Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements in Utah
Utah law requires that you carry both liability and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance on any vehicle registered in the state. If you are in an accident, the PIP coverage takes effect first. Once the maximum PIP payout is reached, your liability insurance takes over. The minimum coverage amounts are:
- $3,000 for personal injury protection per accident
- $25,000 for injury liability per person
- $65,000 for injury liability per accident
- $15,000 for property damage liability per accident
What Happens If You Drive Without Car Insurance in Utah?
If the state determines that you failed to insure your vehicle, it will suspend your license and registration. You cannot renew them until you provide proof of insurance and pay a fee. As stated by the Utah DMV, the fine for driving without insurance is at least $400 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses within three years.
To get your license and registration reinstated, you will need to obtain an SR-22 certificate from a Utah-licensed insurance company that shows proof of insurance coverage. You will need to maintain this proof of insurance for three years. You will also have to pay a $100 reinstatement fee.
How Much Coverage Do You Need in Utah?
Experts usually recommend purchasing more than the mandatory minimum liability insurance. But the type of insurance you purchase will depend on your personal situation. Experts generally recommend getting $100,000 per injury and $300,000 per accident.
For example, if you have a new car with a loan, your loan agreement probably requires you to purchase both collision and comprehensive insurance. But if you own an older car, it may not be worth investing in this type of insurance.
Your insurer will offer you uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Utah has a relatively low percentage of uninsured drivers compared to other states, but you may still want to invest in this coverage for peace of mind.
Average Insurance Rate by City in Utah
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- CityAnnuallyMonthly
- 1.$1,154$96
FAQs About Car Insurance in Utah
Many Utah drivers have questions about car insurance costs and coverage limits. Find answers to some of the most commonly asked car insurance questions below.
Expert Advice on Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Utah
To help you find credible and accurate details on car insurance in Utah, MoneyGeek received expert advice from trusted professionals. The views and sentiments conveyed are those of the individual contributor.
- What are the key factors drivers in Utah should look for when searching for the best auto insurance coverage?
- What steps can drivers in Utah take to find affordable car insurance?
- How do regulations and rules in Utah impact insurance pricing and how consumers might shop for coverage?
Dr. Leo Chan
Associate Professor of Finance Economics at Utah Valley University
About the Author
sources
- Experian. "2019 Consumer Credit Review." Accessed February 16, 2020.
- NHTSA. "Traffic Safety Facts." Accessed February 25, 2020.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "2018 Market Share Reports." Accessed February 23, 2020.
- Utah Department of Public Safety. "Driver Education." Accessed February 23, 2020.
- Utah Insurance Department. "Protect Yourself: Insuring Your Teen Driver." Accessed February 23, 2020.